1. Teddy Boys

2. Social Context
In the 1950s, England was under reconstruction. Elizabeth II began her reign in Moreover, she's still the queen today. Later, in 1954, it was the end of rationing because the economy became stable. On the streets, there was juvenile delinquency.
Queen Elizabeth II

3. Origins
In the early 1950s, they appeared in South London, in London suburbs and in big industrial cities. Their names were Teddy Boys or Teds. They came from working class families so they worked in factories or they were unemployed. In fact, they were influenced by the upper class and delinquent South London youths.
Suburbs of London

4. Appearance
Their clothes were very important for instance they wore dark long drape jackets, white shirts, waist coats and narrow ties. Their style wasn't simple. On the contrary, thanks to drainpipe trousers and brighty coloured socks, it was original. They liked large crepe-sold shoes even though they liked extremely pointed shoes too. The style of girls was short trousers or skirts. Boys' hairstyles were greased hair unlike girls hairstyle which were pony tails.
Greased hairstyles

5. Way of Life
They used weapons such as knives, bike chains or razors for violent fights against rival gangs on the streets. Boys and girls' meeting places were cafés and milk bars. Nevertheless, boys met on street corners. They were interested in music, to be precise, rock'n roll. They loved dancing, cinema and fighting.
A fight on the street
A milk bar

6. Music
Chuck Berry
Elvis Presley
In the early 50s, Teddy Boys enjoyed Jazz and skiffle. Thanks to the American rock'n roll which developped in Britain in the middle of the 1950s, Elvis Presley, Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis,Chuck Berry and others singers became famous. During this period rock'n roll experienced great success because of the aggressiveness and sexual connotations in the lyrics.

7. Bibliography BACK By Léna and Owen Texts: Mrs Lavaud, cours 2018
Photos:
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By Léna and Owen
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